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The objective of this study was to assess the effect of two inclusion rates of Fermenten (FER, Church & Dwight Co., Inc., Princeton, NJ) on ruminal fermentation profile, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients in Angus crossbred steers. Eight steers, fitted with ruminal cannulas, were randomly assigned to treatments in a switchback design. Steers were fed a basal diet (92% of the diet DM) comprised mainly of corn gluten feed, soybean hulls, and peanut hulls, and two different top-dressed premixes (8% of the diet DM) to achieve: 1) a final inclusion rate of FER of 4% in the diet DM (4% FER), or 0% inclusion rate of FER (CTL). Diets were isocaloric (69% TDN) and similar in RDP content (6.5% of diet DM), and were individually fed at 2.8% of BW/d. Individual intake was recorded using the GrowSafe System. Samples of ruminal fluid and blood were collected for 24 h, before feeding (0 h) and every 3 h, to determine ruminal pH, NH3-N and VFA concentrations, and serum concentrations of BUN. Apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients was measured using indigestible NDF as an internal marker. Data were analyzed using the MIXED Procedure of SAS with steer as the experimental unit. Ruminal pH, VFA and concentrations of NH3-N and BUN were analyzed as repeated measures using the MIXED procedure of SAS. There was a tendency (P = 0.09) for a treatment × time interaction for ruminal pH. Steers in the 4% FER treatment had increased concentrations of butyrate (P = 0.01) and a tendency (P = 0.06) for decreased concentrations of acetate. Steers receiving 4% FER had decreased intake of all nutrients (P < 0.05), as well as a decreased DMI as percent of BW (P = 0.03). Apparent total tract nutrient digestibility was similar between treatments (P > 0.05), except for CP, which was greater for 4% FER treatment (P = 0.012). Nitrogen metabolism was similar between treatments; there was no difference on ruminal NH3-N (P = 0.97) or BUN (P = 0.95) concentrations. Decreased intake may hinder possible effects of FER on ruminal fermentation parameters, N metabolism, and nutrient digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica carinata is a new oilseed crop in Florida with the potential of producing high-quality jet biofuel. A high-protein meal (~40% crude protein; CP) is obtained as a byproduct of oil extraction; however, limited research is available on the utilization of this meal as a protein supplement for beef cattle. A generalized randomized block design was used to evaluate the effects of supplementation with B. carinata meal pellets on performance and attainment of puberty in growing beef heifers consuming bermudagrass hay (Cynodon dactylon) ad libitum. Sixty-four Angus crossbred heifers (240 ± 39 kg initial body weight; BW) were stratified and blocked (2 blocks: light and heavy) by initial BW and randomly allocated into 18 pens over 2 consecutive years (10 in year 1 and 8 in year 2). Within block, pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 0 (CTL) or 0.3% of BW/d (as fed) of B. carinata meal pellets (BCM). Blood samples and BW were collected weekly for 70 d, before daily supplementation. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with repeated measures. Model included the fixed effects of treatment, day, treatment × day interactions, block, and block × treatment interactions, with the random effect of year. Plasma was analyzed for concentrations of progesterone, triiodothyronine (T 3 ), thyroxine (T 4 ), ceruloplasmin (Cp), and haptoglobin (Hp). An effect of treatment was observed (P ˂ 0.01) for ADG between CTL (0.14 kg) and BCM (0.42 kg). There was no treatment or block (P > 0.05) effect for concentrations of T3, T4, or Hp; however, there was an effect of day (P < 0.01) for T3, T4, and Cp. An effect of treatment (P ˂ 0.01) was observed for Cp, with CTL having greater concentrations compared with BCM. Time to attainment of puberty did not differ (P = 0.93) between treatments. Feeding B. carinata meal as a protein supplement at 0.3% of BW/d is a viable option for increasing ADG of growing beef heifers, without affecting attainment of puberty, thyroid hormone status, or eliciting an acute phase response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica carinata is a new oilseed crop with the potential of producing high-quality jet biofuel. A high-protein meal (~40% crude protein) is obtained as a byproduct of hexane-solvent oil extraction; however, limited research is available on the use of this meal as a protein supplement for beef cattle. A duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design was used to determine the effects of supplementation with B. carinata meal on ruminal fermentation, digestibility, and blood metabolites in beef cattle consuming bahiagrass hay (Paspalum notatum Flüggé), compared with frequently used protein supplements. Eight Angus crossbred steers (473 ± 119 kg initial BW) were randomly allocated to 8 pens, over 4 periods of 28-d each. Within period, steers were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: 1) 1.62 kg/d cottonseed meal (CSM); 2) 2.15 kg/d dry distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS); 3) 1.39 kg/d B. carinata meal pellets (BCM) ; or 4) 1.17 kg/d soybean meal (SBM), supplemented daily, on an isonitrogenous basis. Steers had ad libitum access to bahiagrass hay and water. Intake was measured using the GrowSafe system. Following a 14-d adaptation, feed and fecal samples were collected to determine apparent total tract nutrient digestibility using indigestible NDF as an internal marker. Blood and ruminal fluid samples were collected before providing the protein supplements and then every 3 h, during a 24-h period, to analyze urea nitrogen (PUN) and glucose in plasma, as well as ruminal pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and VFA concentrations. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with repeated measures. Model included the fixed effects of treatment, time, treatment × time, square, and period, and the random effects of steer(square) and steer(treatment). No effect of treatment (P > 0.05) was observed for pH, NH3-N, or glucose concentration. An effect of treatment (P < 0.01) was observed for PUN, with steers receiving SBM having greater concentrations. A treatment × time interaction was observed (P < 0.05) for total VFA concentration, acetate to propionate ratio, and molar proportions of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and valerate. Steers consuming SBM had greater molar proportions of branched-chain VFA (P < 0.01) compared with CSM and DDGS. There was no effect of treatment (P > 0.05) on intake or apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients. Brassica carinata performed similarly to commonly used protein supplements indicating its viability as a protein supplement for beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine if supplementation frequency of rumen-protected fat (RPF) influences circulating serum concentrations of fatty acids (FA), NEFA, and urea nitrogen in beef heifers and lactating cows. In Exp. 1, 12 early gestation beef heifers were supplemented 0.5 kg of corn gluten feed (CGF) daily during a 2-wk adaptation period. During the last 3 d of adaptation, blood samples were collected immediately before supplementation and then 8 and 16 h postsupplementation daily. Each heifer was then randomly assigned to 1 of 3 supplementation frequency treatments of RPF (3, 5, or 7 d/wk) for 3 wk in a 3 x 3 Latin square design with 3 periods (4 heifers per treatment per period), with each treatment receiving the same amount of RPF and CGF per wk (1.0 and 2.7 kg as fed, respectively). Blood samples were collected during the final 3 d of each supplementation period as described in the adaptation period. In Exp. 2, 18 Angus crossbred cows in early lactation were supplemented with 4.54 kg (as fed) of CGF weekly either at 3, 5, or 7 d/wk during a 2-wk adaptation period. Blood samples were collected during the last 3 d of adaptation as in Exp. 1. For the subsequent 3 wk, RPF (530, 318, and 227 g/d when supplemented) was added to the CGF supplement so that each supplementation frequency received 1.59 kg as fed/wk of RPF. Blood samples were collected during the last 3 d of supplementation as in Exp. 1. Serum FA profiles on a random subsample of 9 heifers in Exp. 1 and all animals in Exp. 2 were determined via gas chromatograph (GC), and values were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. In Exp. 1, there were no differences (P ≥ 0.53) in serum FA profile across supplementation frequencies. There was a decrease in serum 18:2, 18:1 trans-9 and total FA during the sampling time (time effect, P < 0.02). In Exp. 2, there was treatment x time effect (P ≤ 0.001) for both 18:2 and total FA measured. The 7 d/wk frequency had a greater concentration of C18:2 and total FA at 8 h of the sampling period when compared to the other 2 frequencies. These results demonstrate that supplementation of RPF at 3, 5 or 7 d/wk resulted in no changes in serum FA profiles in growing heifers. In early lactating beef cows, there were minor time point changes in serum FA due to supplementation frequency; however, the vast majority of time points were not different, indicating no substantial changes in serum FA profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Infliximab and adalimumab are highly effective in Crohn's Disease ( CD). This is supported by clinical trials and open-label studies using either infliximab or adalimumab, thus not allowing a proper comparison between these anti- TNFs in CD. Aim To evaluate the efficacy and safety of infliximab and adalimumab in active CD. Methods In a longitudinal study, CD patients with indication for anti- TNFs were treated with infliximab or adalimumab. Results Ninety-three patients were treated with infliximab ( n = 44) or adalimumab ( n = 49). In the infliximab group, the induction was completed by 77.3% of patients, due to no response ( n = 2), delayed hypersensitivity reactions ( DHR) or infusion reactions ( n = 8). Maintenance with infliximab was completed by 60% of patients, due to clinical worsening or loss of efficacy ( n = 5), DHR or infusion reactions ( n = 5). In the adalimumab group, all patients completed the induction, while maintenance was completed by 67% of patients, due to clinical worsening or loss of efficacy ( n = 8), DHR ( n = 1), other causes ( n = 7). In both groups, the CDAI significantly reduced at baseline vs. each visit ( P < 0.04). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis performed to evaluate the risk of steroid-free remission in patients treated with infliximab vs. adalimumab detected no differences (log-rank test P = 0.4). Cox proportional-hazards regression identified two predictors of steroid-free remission using anti- TNFs: no smokers [ HR = 2.94 (1.52-5.70), P = 0.001] and non stricturing non penetrating behaviour [ HR = 3.116 (1.06-9.13), P = 0.03826]. Conclusions Infliximab and adalimumab showed a similar efficacy. No smoking and non-stricturing non-penetrating behaviour were predictors of steroid-free remission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and aims: Ileocolonoscopy (IC) is the gold standard for assessing Crohn''s Disease (CD) recurrence after ileo-colonic resection. In a prospective longitudinal study we compared findings related to CD recurrence when using techniques visualizing either the luminal or the extraluminal surface (IC and small bowel follow through, SBFT vs Small Intestine Contrast Ultrasonography, SICUS). Methods: From 2003 to 2008, 25 CD patients undergoing ileo-colonic resection were enrolled. Clinical assessment (CDAI) was performed at 1, 2 and 3years. IC was performed at 1 (n =25) and 3years (n =15), SBFT at 2years (n =21) and SICUS at 1 (n =25), 2 (n =21) and 3years (n =15). Recurrence was assessed by SBFT and SICUS (bowel wall thickness, BWT) when using IC as gold standard. Results: At 1year, all patients were inactive and recurrence was detected by IC in 24/25 (96%) and by SICUS in 25/25 patients. At 2years, 6/21 patients (29%) were active and recurrence was detected by SBFT in 12/21 (57%) and by SICUS in 21/21 patients. At 3years, 5/15 patients (33%) were active, IC showed recurrence in 14/15 (93%), and SICUS in 15/15 patients. The endoscopic score at 1year was higher in patients developing relapse at 2years (n =5) than in patients maintaining remission (n =10) (median: 4, range 3–4 vs 2, range 0–3; p =0.003). The same finding was not observed by using SICUS (median BWT at 1year: 5, range 4–7 vs 3.7, range 3.5–6; p =0.19). Conclusions: Although IC and SICUS provide a different view of the bowel wall, in experienced hands SICUS provides findings compatible with endoscopic recurrence after ileo-colonic resection for CD. Discrepant findings may be observed in a low proportion of patients with minor lesions related to CD recurrence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A duplicated 5×5 Latin square design was used to determine the effects of bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) and encapsulated calcium-ammonium nitrate (eCAN) on ruminal fermentation of beef cattle consuming bahiagrass hay (Paspalum notatum) and cane molasses. Ten ruminally cannulated beef cattle were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments as follows: 3.3 g/kg of BW of molasses (CTRL); CTRL + 182 mg/kg of BW of urea (N0B0); CTRL + 538 mg/kg of BW of eCAN (N1B0); N0B0 + 58.4 mg/kg of BW of BSS (N0B1); and N1B0 + 58.4 mg/kg of BW of BSS (N1B1). With exception of CTRL, all treatments were isonitrogenous. Ruminal fluid and rectal temperature was collected 4× per d for 3 d to determine ruminal changes every 2 h from 0 to 22 h post feeding. Ruminal gas cap samples were collected at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 h on d 0 of each period followed by 0 h on d 1, 2, 3, and 14. Repeated measures data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with the fixed effects of treatment, time, treatment × time, square, period, and animal within square, and the random effect of animal within treatment. For non-repeated data, the model included the fixed effects of treatment, square, period, and animal within square. Orthogonal contrasts were used to evaluate the effects of NPN, eCAN, BSS, and eCAN × BSS. There was no treatment effect (P > 0.05) on concentrations of H2S on d 0, 1, 2, or 14; however, on d 3, concentrations of H2S were reduced (P = 0.018) when NPN was provided. No effect of treatment (P = 0.864) occurred for ruminal pH. There was an effect of eCAN on total concentrations of VFA (P = 0.011), where a 6% reduction occurred when eCAN was provided. There were effects of NPN (P = 0.001) and eCAN (P = 0.009) on concentrations of NH3-N, where cattle consuming NPN had lesser concentrations than those consuming eCAN compared to urea. Total concentrations of VFA and NH3-N were not affected (P > 0.05) by BSS. There was an effect of BSS (P = 0.009) on rectal temperature, where cattle not consuming BSS had greater temperatures than those receiving BSS. In conclusion, eCAN does not appear to deliver equivalent ruminal fermentation parameters compared to urea, as indicated by reductions in total concentrations of VFA and NH3-N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triterpenes are the most representative group of phytochemicals, comprising more than 20,000 recognized molecules. The diversity of triterpenes is highly associated with their broad range of pharmacological effects. Previous studies have demonstrated their anti-microbial potential. Our objective was to determine potential effects of pentacyclic triterpenes (TT) on in vitro batch culture fermentation of bahiagrass hay and a high-grain substrate. A randomized complete block design was used to determine the effects of increasing concentrations of the following TT types: oleanolic acid (OA), ursolic acid (UA) and malsinic acid (MAL) on in vitro fermentation of bahiagrass hay (BGH) or a high-grain substrate (HG) comprised of 43% soybean hulls pellets, 42% corn gluten feed pellets, and 15% peanut hulls (DM basis). Treatments were arranged as a 4 × 3 factorial with 4 doses (0, 4, 25 and 100 mg/L of incubation volume) for each of the 3 TT types. Four ruminally cannulated crossbred steers (362 ± 30 kg BW) were used as ruminal fluid donors. Two steers were fed HG ad libitum, while the other two steers were fed BGH ad libitum for at least 14 d prior to the first incubation day. Each replicate d, 125-mL serum bottles containing 50 mL of a 4:1 buffer:ruminal fluid inoculum and 0.63 g of BGH substrate (DM basis) were incubated for 48 h, and a 2:1 buffer:ruminal fluid inoculum and 0.63 g of HG substrate (DM basis) were incubated for 24 h. Three d (block) of incubation were performed. In vitro OM digestibility (IVOMD) was determined in a separate set of tubes. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with the fixed effect of treatment, and random effect of incubation day. No effect was observed (P > 0.05) on total gas production, IVOMD, NH3-N concentration and H2S production. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of any TT types or doses on concentrations or molar proportions of VFA. No effect (P > 0.05) of TT type or dose were observed on acetate:propionate ratio (A:P). In conclusion, the acid form of the pentacyclic triterpenes did not affect ruminal fermentation of either substrate. Future studies should focus on increasing the solubility of these pentacyclic triterpenes by using a sodium salt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica carinata is a new oilseed crop in Florida with the potential of producing high-quality biodiesel for use as jet biofuel. A high-protein meal (~40% CP) is obtained as a byproduct of oil extraction, however, this meal has not been tested as a potential supplement for growing beef cattle. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of supplementation with Brassica carinata meal (BCM) on animal performance, attainment of puberty, and blood profile in growing beef heifers consuming bermudagrass hay (Cynodon dactylon). Sixty-four Angus crossbred heifers (240 ± 39 kg initial BW) were stratified and blocked (2 blocks: light and heavy) by initial BW and randomly allocated into 18 pens over 2 consecutive yr (10 pens in yr 1 and 8 pens in yr 2). Within block, pens were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 0 (CTL) or 0.3% of BW/d (as fed) of BCM pellets. All heifers were provided ad libitum access to bermudagrass hay and water, and BCM pellets were supplemented daily in the pen. Body weight and blood samples were collected weekly for 70 d, before the daily supplementation. Plasma was analyzed for concentrations of progesterone, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). Data were analyzed as a generalized randomized block design including the fixed effects of treatment, wk, treatment × wk, block, and block × treatment, and the random effect of year. Repeated measures, with pen within year as subject, were used to analyze T3 and T4 concentrations over time. A survival analysis was conducted to determine time to attainment of puberty. There was a difference (P < 0.01) in ADG between CTL (0.14 kg) and BCM (0.42 kg). There was no treatment or block (P > 0.05) effect for concentrations of T3 and T4; however, there was a difference in wk (P < 0.01). Time to attainment of puberty did not differ between treatments (P = 0.68); however, there was an effect of block (P < 0.01) where the light block heifers attained puberty earlier compared to the heavy block heifers. Feeding B. carinata meal as a protein supplement at 0.3% of BW/d is a viable option for increasing ADG of growing beef heifers, without affecting the attainment of puberty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica carinata is a new oilseed crop in Florida with the potential of producing high-quality biodiesel for use as jet biofuel. A high-protein meal (~40% CP) is obtained as a byproduct of oil extraction; however, this meal has not been tested as a potential protein supplement for cattle. A duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design was used to determine the effects of supplementation with B. carinata meal on ruminal fermentation, digestibility, and blood profile in beef cattle consuming bahiagrass hay (Paspalum notatum), compared with frequently used protein supplements. Eight Angus crossbred steers (473 ± 119 kg initial BW) were randomly allocated to 8 pens, over 4 periods of 28 d each. Within period, steers were assigned to one of four treatments: 1.62 kg/d cottonseed meal (CSM), 2.15 kg/d dry distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), 1.39 kg/d B. carinata meal pellets (BCM), or 1.17 kg/d soybean meal (SBM), supplemented daily, on an isonitrogenous basis. Steers had ad libitum access to bahiagrass hay and water. Intake was measured using the GrowSafe system. Following a 14 d adaptation, feed and fecal samples were collected twice daily for 4 d to determine apparent total tract nutrient digestibility using iNDF as an internal marker. Blood and ruminal fluid samples were collected every 3 h, during a 24 h period, to analyze blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and glucose in plasma, as well as pH, NH3-N, and VFA concentrations in ruminal fluid. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with repeated measures. Model included the fixed effects of treatment, time, treatment × time, square, and period, and the random effects of steer (square) and steer (treatment). No effect of treatment (P > 0.05) was observed for pH, NH3-N, or glucose concentration. An effect of treatment (P < 0.01) was observed for BUN, with steers receiving SBM having greater concentrations. There was no effect of treatment (P > 0.05) on total VFA concentrations. Steers consuming CSM had greatest acetate molar proportion, and greater acetate to propionate ratio when compared with DDGS and BCM. Steers consuming DDGS had greatest molar proportions of butyrate and greater molar proportions of propionate compared with SBM and CSM. There was no effect of treatment (P > 0.05) on DMI or apparent total tract digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF, or ADF. Brassica carinata performed similarly to commonly used protein supplements, excluding VFA profile, indicating its viability as a protein supplement for beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]